The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by a man sentenced to 11 years in prison for the rape of a woman in Limassol, upholding both his conviction and sentence.
According to the court’s ruling, the incident occurred on 19 August 2021, when the man offered to drive the woman—who was waiting at a bus stop—to the hotel where she was staying with her parents. Instead of stopping where she directed, he sped away and took her to a dark, isolated area, where he detained her against her will and forced her into sexual acts, ignoring her pleas and resistance.
The woman made repeated efforts to escape, and the man also attempted further indecent acts, which he failed to complete due to her resistance. He was also convicted of stealing her mobile phone, which he took without consent and never returned.
The original court found her testimony credible and consistent with other evidence. The lack of DNA traces did not disprove the assault, as forensic experts testified that absence of genetic material does not rule out sexual contact, depending on timing and circumstances.
The medical examiner confirmed no visible injuries but explained that coercion can occur without physical trauma, especially in cases involving fear, intoxication, or immobility.
On appeal, the defendant claimed contradictory evidence, unfair rejection of his unsworn statement, and inadequate reasoning by the court. The Supreme Court rejected all arguments, noting that credibility assessments belong to the trial court, which had offered a thorough and justified ruling.
It also found the defendant’s claim of consensual sex unsupported by any evidence. His account contrasted sharply with the victim’s consistent and emotionally coherent description of events.
The Court further ruled that the sentence was proportionate, given the nature and seriousness of the offences, the emotional impact on the victim, and the defendant’s lack of remorse.
In its final remarks, the Supreme Court underlined that the credibility of sexual assault victims cannot be dismissed solely due to a lack of physical injuries or forensic findings, since such crimes fundamentally violate personal autonomy and consent.
The man will therefore serve the full 11-year sentence for rape, attempted sexual assault, abduction with intent to have intercourse, and theft.
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